Roscoe the Bull is a monstrous sized bovine. He made his second annual appearance at our “RoundUp Sunday” outreach event a few weeks ago. But even more surprising than this long-horned rib eye carrier was the fact that my three year old son ran with all his might to be second in line to rideContinue reading “A Powerful Force”
Category Archives: Equipping
Blindfolded Ministry (Four Hurdles Series)
Imagine a Superbowl without a Lombardi trophy or a marathon win without a medal. We are designed by God to be motivated by rewards. These can be external (trophies, medals, degrees, bonuses, etc) or internal, but we look for the results of our effort. Therefore, it is imperative that church leaders help members see theContinue reading “Blindfolded Ministry (Four Hurdles Series)”
Big Scary Volunteer Jobs!
Why are some people afraid to volunteer? What is so scary about serving the Lord? Maybe the problem is created more by the leadership than by the one being asked to serve. The solution is found in smaller proportions. For example, in our backyard, we have a unique species called a worm snake. These areContinue reading “Big Scary Volunteer Jobs!”
The Tragic Neglect of Spiritual Gifts
What if the Church is leaving a great resource largely untapped? What if the key to church growth and reaching the world for Christ is right in front of our nose? The potential to radically impact the world for Christ is unrealized because applicable principles regarding spiritual gifts are not being taught. Sullivan County, NewContinue reading “The Tragic Neglect of Spiritual Gifts”
Eye-opening Change (5 Things Series)
What motivates people? Hundreds of millions of Americans will get up tomorrow morning and go to work to make some money. Others will head off to school to gain knowledge and job skills for a higher standard of living. But what motivates volunteers? Some lend a hand to others for self-satisfying reasons. Yet, the followerContinue reading “Eye-opening Change (5 Things Series)”
Feedback Friendly Leadership
Not everyone enjoys receiving criticism, but most appreciate some honest feedback. The encouragement and correction of others keeps our motives and our moves in check. We need people in our lives who will offer guidance in our weaker areas and an appropriate accolade when we “get it right.” Years ago, I bought an intriguing gadgetContinue reading “Feedback Friendly Leadership”
Is Training Required? (5 Things Series)
If mediocrity is good enough for you, then you can just skip this post. If, however, you want to see followers of Christ serving with joy and effectiveness in ministry, training is not optional. Most churches expect their pastors to have some level of formal training. To scan a listing of pastoral job openings, oneContinue reading “Is Training Required? (5 Things Series)”
Do I Owe My Soul to the Company Store? (Ministry Trends Series)
Are believers in Christ working so much at their jobs that they don’t have time to minister to people? One trend that has influenced volunteer ministry in the church is the career decisions of believers. Marlene Wilson acknowledges that the times have changed. “The fact is that people are volunteering- just not in the waysContinue reading “Do I Owe My Soul to the Company Store? (Ministry Trends Series)”
Are People Still Volunteering? (Ministry Trends Series)
“Times have changed. People are not interested in serving in the church.” This was the statement of a frustrated and overworked pastor. He was right and wrong at the same time. Today is different than fifty years ago. I disagree, however, that people are less interested. Churches that refuse to adapt to changing trends inContinue reading “Are People Still Volunteering? (Ministry Trends Series)”
Is 100% Possible? (Grammatically Correct Church Series)
Some fellow pastors think I am crazy. I honestly expect that every church should have 100% of the believers in the congregations involved in active ministry. Is this unrealistic to expect that every person in my church who has trusted Christ for salvation would use their gifts and time to serve others? But I find that someContinue reading “Is 100% Possible? (Grammatically Correct Church Series)”
Shepherding Well 